Author Archives: bookvolunteer

About bookvolunteer

I'm passionate about books, about Oxfam and about making the world a better place. When I'm not filling the shelves in Oxfam Wilmslow, I might be found reading the books I've bought in the beautiful surroundings of North Pembrokeshire.

The Shock of the Blue Glove

Posted on February 4, 2014 by bookvolunteer

There is no litter in Dinas so I have to conclude that this is Art. ‘The Shock of the Blue Glove’ installation in cotton, plastic and plaster by Anon was displayed near the postbox in Bryn Henllan. Is it still … Continue reading →

Posted in Art | Tagged Bryn Henllan, Dinas, Dinas Cross, litter, Pembrokeshire, sculpture | Leave a comment

When was the last invasion of Britain?

Posted on January 31, 2014 by bookvolunteer

You’ll find the answer in Fishguard Town Hall, along with pictures that bring the remarkable events of February 1798 to life. The glorious Fishguard Tapestry, designed by Elizabeth Cramp for the bicentennial celebrations and stitched by 70 local people, splendidly … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Crafts, History, Sea | Tagged Carreg Wastad, Dinas, Dinas Cross, Fishguard, French invasion, Jemima Nicholas, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan | Leave a comment

Eirian Short : a Dinas artist

Posted on January 28, 2014 by bookvolunteer

The first time I had a proper look at Eirian Short‘s work was in Len Rees’ Gallery in Bryn Henllan, Dinas. My previous viewings had been rather perfunctory. I liked the colours and the shapes but have always thought of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Crafts | Tagged Bryn Henllan, Dinas, Dinas Cross, Eirian Short, embroidery, Hannah Hoch, Pembrokeshire | 1 Comment

A winter walk round Dinas Head

Posted on January 24, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Click on a photo for a slideshow with captions.

Posted in Farming, Nature, Sea, Walking, Wildlife | Tagged baby seals, Dinas Cross, Dinas head, Dinas Island, Fishguard, Newport, Pembrokeshire coast path, Pembrokeshire coastal path, Tegfan | Leave a comment

The smallest village clock in the world?

Posted on January 21, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Of all the village clocks in the country in 1899 Dinas village clock must have been one of the smallest. I found this picture on a bottle collectors’ website. A similar clock, on a bottle advertising Mother Seigel’s curative syrup, played an … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged Dinas, Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan | Leave a comment

Our very own tractor museum

Posted on January 17, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Just round the corner from Tegfan lives an enthusiast. His collection of vintage tractors is displayed one at the time on the street corner. The tractors are in working order and beautifully restored.

Posted in Farming, History | Tagged Dinas, Dinas Cross, McCormick, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan, tractor, vintage | Leave a comment

What books would you like to find in a holiday cottage?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by bookvolunteer

I’ve decided that our bookshelves need attention. The smart old hardbacks on the top shelf came from the library of our aunt, who bought Tegfan fifty years ago. Many of the other books have been left by visitors; some of these … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged bookshelves, children's books, Dinas, Dinas Cross, everyman editions, fiction, holiday reading, paperbacks, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan | Leave a comment

The hard life and death of a Master Mariner from Dinas

Posted on January 10, 2014 by bookvolunteer

For such a small village, the number of sea captains buried in Dinas’ graveyards seems incredible. Just round the corner from Tegfan, in Ramah, is this headstone, inscribed in memory of Thomas Williams who died over a century ago on the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Sea | Tagged Dinas, Dinas Cross, graveyard, master mariner, Pembrokeshire, sea captains, Tegfan | 2 Comments

The village blacksmiths

Posted on January 7, 2014 by bookvolunteer

This forge has been the village smithy for generations. As you walk down Feidr Fawr towards Tegfan, you’ll see J E Thomas and Son on the righthand side, not long after leaving the main road. It doesn’t look special – just … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Crafts, Farming | Tagged Blacksmith, Dinas, Dinas Cross, J E Thomas and Son, Pembrokeshire, Smith, Tegfan, y gof | 2 Comments

Cwm yr Eglwys and its Mediterranean climate

Posted on January 3, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Our local beach warrants an article on Wikipedia and I’m quoting here from the text: Sheltered from prevailing winds, Cwm-yr-Eglwys is renowned for having its very own microclimate, it being a few degrees warmer and dryer compared to other parts of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Nature, Sea | Tagged art gallery, artist, Dinas, Dinas Cross, gallery, Jean Pugh, Len Rees, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan | Leave a comment

How did George Bennett and Co get onto our window sill?

Posted on December 31, 2013 by bookvolunteer

This lovely stoneware flagon hasn’t travelled far since it was filled by George Bennett’s wine and spirit business in the 19th century. George Bennett and Co started life when George married Elizabeth Davies, the daughter of the landlord of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, History | Tagged Bennett's Navy Tavern, Dinas Cross, Fishguard, George Bennett and Co, Pembrokeshire, pubs, Tegfan | Leave a comment

The secret garden

Posted on December 27, 2013 by bookvolunteer

I’ll give you a glimpse of Tegfan’s secret garden. To find it, you have to leave the house and walk down the lane. It’s not far but it’s very secret. You can see the garden in this photo because the … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Wildlife | Tagged cawl, Dinas, Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire, Tegfan, vegetable garden | Leave a comment